My First POTA Adventure by Alan (WB0ZJJ) With trepidation, I ventured to Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Boynton Beach, Florida US-0232) with my tiny QRP-Labs QMX radio and CW Morse Pocket Paddle key. The temperature and humidity were both over 90 (90F and 90% plus). My eye glasses were constantly fogging over as I […]
Month: June 2025
New Product Spotlight: DX Engineering Nomad Portable Telescopic Masts
Combine the Nomad mast with the new DX Engineering Low Power Portable Dipole and Winder Kit and You’re Ready for Field Day fun! Just in time for ARRL Field Day 2025 (June 28-29), DX Engineering’s new Nomad Portable Telescopic Masts are now available. That’s great news if you’re looking for a well-constructed, easy-to-transport fiberglass mast […]
QRPer Discussion Board: Three Years of Community and Collaboration
Three Years of the QRPer Discussion Board by QRPer.net Admin Purpose Many of us who regularly visit the QRPer.com Web Log really enjoy the content created and curated here by Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL. His unassuming style, broad knowledge, and humility have encouraged trust and loyalty among his followers. Many of us openly defy the YouTube […]
Two Compact Microphones for the Elecraft KX2 & KX3
Many thanks to Dean (KG7WGX) who recently shared a couple of interesting microphone alternatives for voice/SSB ops who use the Elecraft KX2 or KX3—especially in portable or pedestrian mobile setups. Dean mentioned that while the stock Elecraft MH3 mic is excellent, it can feel a bit bulky for field use, especially when packing light for […]
What’s the Best Way to Study for the Ham Radio Test?
Whether you’re interested in emergency communication, electronics, or just want to talk to people worldwide, passing the ham radio test is the first step. To get licensed, you need to demonstrate an understanding of FCC regulations as well as knowledge of radio station operation and safety considerations by taking a written test. When was the […]
Post-Hamvention POTA: A Challenging but Relaxing Activation with Friends in Dayton
Sunday, May 18, 2025, was the final day of Hamvention. It’s typically the slowest day, and I’ve even been known to skip it in favor of doing POTA with friends instead. This particular Sunday, though, my dear friend Vince (VE6LK) was giving a mid-morning presentation about building go-boxes, so Eric (WD8RIF), Miles (KD8KNC), Len (W8VQ), […]
Special Event Spotlight: Museum Ships Weekend 2025—Honoring Those Who Served
Make Contact with Museum Ships in the U.S. and Around the World on June 7-8, 2025 June 6 marks the 81st anniversary of the Allied forces joint naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France, better known as D-Day. Such a massive operation, the largest in history, required expert precision, iron-man-like resilience, and constant communication—typically […]
How “No Fly Zone” Clothing Changed My POTA Activations
By Conrad Trautmann (N2YCH) QRPer.com is a great resource for all of us field activators. Thomas (K4SWL) posts about all kinds of nifty tools and things to help us while doing our field activations. He recently posted a story about Red Oxx bags (I think I need one), also a recent post about insect repellents, […]
Youth Ham Radio Insights: Making Friends Through Amateur Radio
Being someone many of my peers would consider to be “a nerd,” I don’t have an extravagantly large friend group at my small high school. A few months ago during the ARRL School Club Roundup event, I was on the air with my physics class. When some of my friends from the Youth On The […]
James’ first POTA activation with the IC-705
Many thanks to James (KI5OEB) who shares the following field report: My First POTA Activation with a New Radio by James (KI5OEB) I decided, thanks to the influence of many people, mainly Thomas K4SWL and Steve KM9G, to purchase my first-ever new transceiver. I purchased an ICOM IC-705 from a retailer that had an open […]